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SANTA ANA, Calif. – During the last two weeks a total of seven Christians have been murdered and 17 kidnapped during the violence directed at Christians by Muslim Brotherhood extremists. Hundreds more have been injured. Additionally, the rampage has resulted in the destruction or damage of 212 privately-owned Christian shops and homes and 95 church buildings. Orphanages, schools and Bible book stores have also been destroyed or damaged.

Open Doors’ ministry partners are confirming that Christians are living in fear, especially those in the countryside where Muslims are the majority. Many Christian families have lost everything and escaped with only what they were wearing. In the wake of the unprecedented violence targeting Egypt’s Christian community, Open Doors is working closely with local church partners to support and comfort those left traumatized by painful losses.

Open Doors USA is asking for emergency financial support for those suffering for their faith in Jesus Christ. Since the need is substantial, the goal of the campaign is $430,000.The funds will be used for what is most needed to bring hope and relief to many suffering and devastated Christians.

“Christians in the West must understand that the rampage against the followers of Jesus is targeted and intentional,” says Open Doors USA president/CEO Dr. David Curry. “Unless we pray, advocate and support those faithful believers who are under attack, the persecution will continue and perhaps widen. Please consider how you might support our brothers and sisters in Christ.”

An Egyptian Christian leader states: “What can Christians do? Although the fight seems to be between groups of people, it is clearly a spiritual war. It is written in Ephesians 6:12 that ‘…our struggle is not against flesh and blood…’ Therefore to win the war, believers need to use the right weapons. Egyptian Christians are appealing to people around the world to pray and fast with them.”

His prayer requests for Egypt include:

An end to the current violence

The police and army to control the situation and bring long-lost law and order back to the streets of Egypt

For God to expose the lies and deceptions being told so that the truth will be revealed to the entire world

That Christians continue to love, forgive and rebuild their country, churches, homes and businesses

The country’s future leaders bring peace and harmony to all parties and bring Egypt out of poverty and chaos

Egypt is ranked No. 25 on the Open Doors 2013 World Watch List of the worst persecutors of Christians.

c. 2013 Open Doors USA. Used with permission.

For almost 60 years Open Doors has worked in the world's most oppressive and restrictive countries, strengthening Christians to stand strong in the face of persecution and equipping them to shine Christ's light in these places. Open Doors empowers persecuted Christians by supplying Bibles and Christian literature, training Christian leaders, facilitating social/economic projects and uniting believers in the West in prayer for Christians, who are the most persecuted religious group in the world and are oppressed in at least 60 countries. To partner with Open Doors USA, call toll free at 888-5-BIBLE-5 (888-524-2535) or go to our website at www.OpenDoorsUSA.org.